What is the ecological bonus? The reminder
The ecological bonus is a financial assistance set up by the French government to encourage the purchase of clean vehicles. This scheme aims to reducecarbon footprint transportwhich account for a significant proportion of France's greenhouse gas emissions.
Indeed, the air pollution in France generates more than 40,000 premature deathswhich is equivalent to 9% of national mortality and has a negative impact on life expectancy at age 30. It should be noted that 7,000 of these 40,000 deaths are directly attributable to nitrogen oxides. Emissions of fine particles from the transport sector, which are particularly prevalent in densely populated urban areas, are particularly high in the United States. increased health risks for vulnerable populationsespecially children and the elderly.
In practical terms, the eco-bonus applies to theacquisition or the long-term rental (minimum 2 years) for low-polluting vehicles. From January 2023, this aid will apply exclusively to vehicles powered by diesel.electricitythehydrogenor a combination of the two.
It is also important to note that since October 2023, a new eligibility criterion has been introduced: the environmental score. This score takes into account the ecological impact of all the production stages and vehicle deliveryreinforcing the commitment to a greener automotive industry.
Read more : How do you calculate the environmental score for electric vehicles?
Major changes to the ecological bonus in 2025
Published in the Journal Officiel and in force since 2 December 2024, the new decree stipulates that the amount of the bonus has been revised and is now determined on the basis of new reference tax incomes per unit (RFR/P) :
- 4 000 € for households with an RFR/P less than or equal to €16,300
- 3 000 € for households with an RFR/P between €16,301 and €26,200
- 2 000 € for households with an RFR/P over €26,200
This new structure represents a significant reduction compared with the previous amounts, which could be as much as €7,000 for low-income households. Like the 2024 ecological bonus, the professionals are excluded from this electrical aid.
Worth noting A transitional provision will be introduced for vehicles ordered before 2 December 2024 but not yet delivered. This measure will apply on condition that the delivery is made no later than 29 February 2025.
In addition, the €900 bonus previously granted to electric quadricyclessuch as the Citroën Ami, as well as the electric motorised two-three wheelersare no longer eligible, regardless of price or use.
But that's not all: the bonus for electric light commercial vehicles (LCV) is disappearing in its current form, but the good news is that it will be replaced by a new mechanism financed by energy saving certificates (CEE), the details of which have yet to be worked out.
As previously stated, vehicle eligibility is now subject to an environmental score, which takes into account the ecological impact of the vehicle's production and transport. This criterion favours vehicles manufactured in Europewhile those produced outside Europe, notably in Chinaare not eligible. Naturally, only models that comply with the environmental score will be eligible for the eco-bonus.
Read more : Tax on Chinese electric cars: the impact on Europe
The key points to remember about the new 2025 environmental bonus are as follows:
- Le acquisition cost of the vehicle must be less than €47,000.
- Le The amount of the aid is set at 27 % inc. of the acquisition cost.
- This amount includeswhere applicable, the cost of battery if it is the subject of a lease contract.
- Individuals can only benefit from the bonusonce every 3 years.
- The bonus is available to individuals of legal age resident in France.
- The thermal and used vehicles are not eligible for the bonus.
- It applies to new passenger cars of a mass less than 2.4 tonnes.
- The vehicles classified in category M2 benefiting from a weight exemption and whose gross vehicle weight (GVW) n'does not exceed 3.5 tonnescan also be eligible for the bonus scheme.
- Le amount of aid is calculated according to the vehicle price and reference tax income of the buyer.
- Keep the vehicle for a for a minimum period of one year from the date of acquisition and cover at least 6,000 km before any transfer.
Why these changes?
The new scale makes it possible to concentrating aid on the households that need it most. This approach aims to maximise the social impact of the scheme while encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles across all income groups.
According to the finance law 2025, l'The budget for the ecological bonus in 2025 has been set at 700 million euros.a significant drop 1.5 billion in 2024. This reduction could lead to the scheme being suspended if the budget is exhausted before the end of the year.
To find out more about support for electric vehicles : Finance Bill 2025: changes for electric vehicles
In fact, as the Ministry of Industry's office pointed out, "the government is keen to ensure that the allocated budget is strictly adhered to" in this "difficult budgetary context". The Finance Bill for 2025 therefore aims to reduce the public deficit by reducing it to 5 % of gross domestic product from 2025, with a projection of reduction to below 3 % by 2029.
By gradually reducing subsidies, the government is seeking to stimulate innovation in the automotive industry to make electric vehicles more affordable without major subsidies, such as the Citroën ë-C3 or the Renault 5 E-Tech.
Read more : Cheapest electric cars under €25,000 in 2025
How do I qualify for the environmental bonus? Steps to take
To qualify for the environmental bonus in 2025, a number of factors must be scrupulously respected.
First of all, the bonus request must be made within the 6 months following the invoice date for the electric vehicle or payment of the first rent. You can apply online via the dedicated website of the Agence de Services et de Paiement (ASP).
You will then need to prepare the following documents:
- The vehicle registration certificate
- Proof of address less than 3 months old
- A copy of your identity card or passport
- The vehicle purchase invoice or leasing contract
- Your most recent tax assessment to determine the amount of assistance you will receive
The administration generally has a processing time of a few weeks. You will be notified of the decision by e-mail.
💡Did you know ? the dealer can advance the amount of the bonus by deducting from the vehicle's sale price, including VAT. A specific line must be included on the invoice to clearly identify the amount of the bonus granted.
Other government grants for electric cars
Social leasing
Social leasing, also known as "leasing with a view to improving the quality of life".electric car at €100 per month" is a government initiative aimed at making electric vehicles more accessible to low-income households.
Social leasing makes it possible to lease a new electric car for a very attractive monthly fee, generally around 100 for electric city cars and 150 for family models. This scheme offers an attractive purchase alternative, particularly for households unable to invest in a new electric vehicle.
To qualify for social leasing in 2025, a number of criteria will have to be applied, as was the case in 2024, although the exact conditions are still under discussion. It will audra therefore :
- Be major and domiciled in France,
- Have a reference tax income per unit (RFR) below a certain threshold (15,400 in 2024),
- Using the vehicle for commuting or regular professionals...
Social leasing takes the form of long-term rental or lease with purchase option (LOA) of a minimum duration of 3 years.
To consult : Hire purchase or lease purchase: which formula should you choose? The essential guide
After a resounding success in 2024 which led to its premature suspension, social leasing should be renewed in 2025:
- The launch is scheduled for second half of 2025,
- L'funding envelope will be reduced compared with 2024,
- The eligibility conditions could be adjusted to better target beneficiaries.
For further information : Social leasing at €100 a month makes a comeback in 2025!
Regional aid
In addition to the national environmental bonus, several French regions offer specific assistance for the purchase of electric vehicles, reinforcing support for the transition to cleaner mobility.
To find out more : All regional aid for electric cars
Initially, the Île-de-France region offers particularly generous assistance, varying according to the beneficiary's reference tax income per unit:
- 9 000 € for an annual income of €6,358 or less
- 7 500 € for income between €6,359 and €14,089
- 4 500 € for income between €14,090 and €30,508
- 2 250 € for income in excess of €30,508
This aid is aimed at individuals residing in the Greater Paris regionto companies with fewer than 50 employeesand municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.
In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regionIn the Arve Valley, particular attention is being paid to specific support for SMEs and VSEs, and certain professions :
- 3 000 € for vehicles with a GVW less than 2.5 tonnes
- 5 000 € for vehicles with a GVW over 2.5 tonnes
But that's not all: the regions Great East, Normandy, Occitania and PACA also offer grants for the purchase of electric vehicles, although the amounts and conditions vary.
Worth noting Total public aid is capped at 80% of the purchase price including VAT of the vehicle.
Top 3 electric cars eligible for the 2025 environmental bonus
The Citroën ë-C3
The Citroën ë-C3 is one of the most popular flagship models eligible for the 2025 ecological bonus, but also for social leasingoffering an affordable and practical solution for urban electric mobility.
To consult : New Citroën ë-C3: the affordable electric city car available on social leasing!
The news Citroën ë-C3 electric has a number of distinctive features:
- The brand's typical driving comfort, adapted to city driving,
- A attractive base price of €23,300without application of the ecological bonus,
- A autonomy 320 kmsufficient for everyday urban and suburban use,
- A modern design combining Citroën's emblematic style to thetechnological innovation.
What's more, Citroën electric proposes 2 main versions of ë-C3 :
- La You" trim from €19,300 with €4,000 bonus deductedoffering essential equipment
- La Max" trim at €23,800 with €4,000 bonus deductedfor those looking for more comprehensive services
💡Did you know ? Citroën plans to boost the appeal of the ë-C3 in 2025 by offering a new version of the car. reduced range version (200 km) but even more affordable, announced at 15,990 € bonus deductedbut also with the ambition to become the best-selling electric car in France.
In short, thanks to its zero emission characteristics and its affordable priceThe Citroën ë-C3 is eligible for an environmental bonus of up to €4,000. Although this amount is lower than in previous years, it is still a significant bonus. essential financial leverage to make the transition to electric vehiclesparticularly in view of the forthcoming restrictions linked to the EPZs.
Read more : 1 January 2025: forthcoming changes to the EPZs
The Renault 5 E-Tech
The Renault 5 E-Tech promises to be theone of the flagship models eligible for the 2025 ecological bonusmarking the return of an icon in an electric 100% form.
The new Renault 5 E-Tech boasts a number of key features:
- 2 battery options to adapt to your needs :
- An "urban autonomy" version of 40 kWh offering up to 300 km range in WLTP cycle
- A "comfort autonomy" version of 52 kWh enabling up to 410 km range in WLTP cycle
- A neo-retro design inspired by the 70s model, combining modernity and nostalgia
- A 150 hp to achieve 100 km/h in 8 seconds
- Made in France at the Douai plantguaranteeing eligibility for the ecological bonus
Pricewise, Renault electric offers several finishes for the R5 E-Tech:
- The entry-level version "Five" from €25,000 excluding bonus (available in 2025)
- The "Techno"andIconic Five"equipped with a 52 kWh battery, from €33,490 incl. VAT before environmental bonus
- A future Roland-Garros special series scheduled for 2025
As a result, the Renault 5 E-Tech is therefore a wise choice for drivers who want to combine iconic style, electrical performance and, of course, eligibility for the 2025 environmental bonus, while supporting French car production.
For more information on this electric vehicle : New Renault 5 electric: what's it worth?
The Fiat Grande Panda
La Fiat Grande Panda100 % electric version of the famous Italian city caris one of the vehicles eligible for the 2025 environmental bonus. Compact, economic and environment-friendlyIt's an ideal solution for urban drivers looking for an affordable, high-performance model.
The news Fiat electric has a number of distinctive features:
- A WLTP range of 320 km,
- A 44 kWh LFP battery coupled with a 113 bhp engine,
- A design inspired by the iconic Panda of the 80sdesigned by Turin's Centro Stile,
- A retractable spiral charging cableThis innovation makes it easier to handle when recharging.
Fiat offers 2 main versions of the electric Grande Panda:
- The entry-level version "Red"from €24,900 without deduction of the ecological bonus
- The top-of-the-range versionLa Prima"at €27,900 excluding ecology, offering a more complete range of equipment
To consult : New Fiat Grande Panda: the Italian city car that thinks big
The electric Fiat Grande Panda is therefore positioned as a attractive option for urban drivers who want to switch to electric power while benefiting from the 2025 environmental bonuscombining practical, Italian design and technology modern to a competitive price.
Summary table of the top 3 electric cars eligible for the 2025 environmental bonus
| Model | Base price | Autonomy | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën ë-C3 | 23 300 € | 320 km | - Modern design - Driving comfort - Attractive prices - Eligible for social leasing |
| Renault 5 E-Tech | 25 000 € | 300-410 km | - Neo-retro design - Made in France - Two battery options - 150 hp power |
| Fiat Grande Panda | 24 900 € | 320 km | - Design inspired by the Panda of the 80s - 44 kWh LFP battery - Retractable charging cable - Compact and economical |
Conclusion
Although amounts have been revised downwardsHowever, this scheme remains an important lever for encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. In fact, the changes reflect a desire to target more effectively the the most modest households while promoting a greener, more local automotive industry.
For future buyers, it is essential to fully understand these new terms and conditions in order to maximising the benefits of the ecological bonus. Whether for the Citroën ë-C3the Renault 5 E-Tech or the Fiat Grande PandaEach model offers unique features which, when combined with the bonus, will make it a real winner, can make electric power more accessible than ever.
That's why, with Beevyou can simplify your switch to electric and benefit from individual support to make the most informed choice possible.
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